Ziel Wins Innovator of the Year at the Business of Cannabis Awards 2025
We’re thrilled to share that Ziel has been named Innovator of the Year at the Business of Cannabis Awards 2025
This recognition highlights our dedication to advancing cannabis processing technology and setting new standards for safety, quality, and efficiency. Held on June 24, 2025, the Awards brought together over 300 industry professionals and leaders from across Europe to celebrate individuals and organizations shaping the future of cannabis.
The Innovator or Innovation of the Year category recognizes groundbreaking innovation or individuals transforming the cannabis industry through visionary ideas, technology, or forward-thinking solutions. For Ziel, this honor underscores the impact of our radio frequency (RF) technology, a solution that helps producers remediate microbial contamination while preserving product quality, potency, and terpenes. Our systems empower cannabis businesses to meet strict safety standards without compromising what matters most to consumers and cultivators..
The Journey to Innovation
- Eight years ago, Ziel entered the cannabis space, which had no commercially proven decontamination solution available.
- In 2016, Los Sueños Farms, Colorado’s largest outdoor farm, approached Ziel for help complying with new state microbial testing requirements.
- Ziel leveraged its experience from pasteurizing nuts and seeds to adapt RF technology for cannabis, installing the first commercial-scale prototype in April 2016.
- This pioneering move marked the start of a new era in cannabis safety, with original APEX units still operating today.
- In 2024, Ziel launched the new RFX units, delivering a more space-conscious, and single phase powered unit with European for producers worldwide.
- The Ziel RFX can process up to 160 pounds of cannabis flower per eight-hour shift with no downtime, using low-energy, non-ionizing RF wavelengths to kill mold and pathogens while protecting terpenes, trichomes, and cannabinoids.
- This approach is especially important in European markets like Germany, where ionizing radiation is discouraged due to safety concerns and regulatory complexities.
Moreover, Ziel’s technology provides cultivators with real-time data and the ability to use various decontamination settings, promising a 99.9 percent pass rate for microbial compliance. Customers also benefit from hands-on support with a team of technicians and scientists ready to help optimize operations and deepen understanding of microbial behavior across different strains.
Why Ziel’s RF Technology Stands Out
- Preserves Product Quality
Unlike ionizing radiation or harsh chemical methods, RF technology preserves terpenes, trichomes, cannabinoids, and overall organoleptic qualities. - Supports Regulatory Compliance
Radio Frequency helps cultivators meet strict microbial safety standards without altering the molecular profile of the flower, which is especially valuable in regulated European markets. - High Throughput and Efficiency
No downtime, maximizing operational efficiency. - Real-Time Data and Customization
Cultivators can access real-time data and use their customer dashboard to help plan future planting. - Trusted Support and Expertise
Customers work with Ziel’s team of technicians and scientists who help troubleshoot, optimize cycles, and turn remediation data into actionable insights in real time
The winners at this year’s Business of Cannabis Awards were chosen by an independent panel of 21 expert judges representing all corners of the industry, including scientists, business leaders, legal advisors, and policy specialists. Their diverse expertise and high standards ensure each award truly reflects measurable impact and genuine innovation.
Beyond the award itself, this recognition validates our team’s hard work and reinforces our commitment to building a smarter and more sustainable cannabis supply chain. In an industry where every company claims to be best-in-class, this win is proof that Ziel’s solutions truly set us apart.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Business of Cannabis Awards team, our partners, and most importantly, the cultivators and processors who trust Ziel every day.
Congratulations to all the other winners and nominees who continue to move the industry forward. We are excited to keep pushing boundaries and supporting a stronger, safer, and more innovative cannabis future together.
If you would like to learn more about how Ziel’s RF technology can help your business, contact us here.